written

American  

[rit-n] / ˈrɪt n /

verb

1. a past participle of write.

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adjective

1. expressed in writing (distinguished from spoken).

written British  

/ ˈrɪtən /

verb

1. the past participle of write

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adjective

1. taken down in writing; transcribed Compare spoken

   written evidence

   the written word

Other Word Forms

• half-written
  adjective
• prewritten
  adjective
• self-written
  adjective
• well-written
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of written

First recorded before 1000, for the adjective

Compare meaning

How does written compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• written vs. wrote

Example Sentences

It’s always the imperfection of everything you’ve ever written, that’s what keeps you writing.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026

Inside one hotel hosting Iranian pilgrims posters lined the walls written in Arabic and English stating: "Raising flags and saying religious or political slogans is prohibited," echoing an earlier warning broadcast by the interior ministry.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Writing about Monroe’s reading habits demands a lot of speculation on the part of Crowther, who’s written engaging books on Dorothy Parker, Sylvia Plath and Anne Sexton.

From Los Angeles Times • May 25, 2026

A CBP spokesperson said in a written statement that the bidding process has been fair.

From Salon • May 25, 2026

Two ordering lines, each with a handmade sign, written on lined notebook paper.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Related Words

• drafted
• penned
• recorded
• reported